In February, 1718, therefore, he took matters into his own hands and sent a party of soldiers and laborers under Captain Joseph Primo de Rivera to the northern tip of Apalache Bay to build a blockhouse. Ayala instructed Primo to erect a fort with quarters for 100 soldiers, a storehouse for supplies, and a powder house. Primo also had orders to treat the Indians benevolently, to supply their needs if he could, and to aid the Franciscans in their missionary endeavors. The Lower Creeks were not to receive muskets, however, until their loyalty was assured. In addition the Spanish cavalry captain was commanded to place a cross and the banner of Philip V high atop the new blockhouse and to construct a launch for communicating with Pensacola. When he completed his assignment, Primo was to send word immediately to Saint Augustine. [Note 30: Orden al capitan de cavallos en la nueva guarnacion de Apalache 2/17/1718] (Tepaske GSF)